Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.comKody Bozard, in red cowgirl hat, and friend Natalee Batchelor ride Lena into second place of the Most Patriotic division on Thursday in Cheraw.

The 5-year-old Cheraw resident first participated in the town of Cheraw’s Independence Celebration Children’s Parade on a bike, then in a wagon and, last year, in a little blue toy car, according to her mother, Treacy Bozard.

On Thursday during the red-white-and-blue parade along Market Street from near Front Street to Seaboard Street, about 0.2 miles long, Kody wasn’t leaving anything to chance to try and collect one of the coveted prizes — including cash — announced on the lawn of the Cheraw Lyceum Museum by Mayor Andy Ingram.

This time around, Kody added Lena, a calm, well-paced horse that, in true Southern tradition, declined to provide her age.

“She’s a teenager,” said Kody, who was accompanied on Lena’s back by friend Natalee Batchelor, 6, of Cheraw.

Kody, Natalee and Lena won second place in the parade’s Most Patriotic division and brought up the rear of the parade. At the vanguard was four members of the Florence Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron, including cadets Matthew Hawley, Josiah Rountree, Nate Hawley and Isaac Rountree.

Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.comZach Newton, 6, is one of Cheraw’s newest residents as his family recently moved from Fayetteville, N.C. Zach said he planned to save his $5 cash prize for placing first in the Best Bike division.

In her traditional Pearle the Polar Bear costume was Cheraw resident Lillie Myers, 17. Myers has been dressing for parades and public events in different costumes for about four years, her mother said. Somehow the bear costume connects with at least one child each time out; Thursday was no different.

Finn Butler and older brother Oliver, 8, were foreigners as they rode their bicycles through Cheraw’s Historic District. Well, not quite foreigners — their regularly visit their grandparents, Thad and Patsy Hendley, who live in Cheraw.

While the parade was the staple of the morning’s festivities, surrounded by light refreshments and a host of prizes, Ingram noted the celebration wasn’t yet over. Beginning at 6 p.m. at the Cheraw High School football stadium children and adults could enjoy rides, live music, concessions and more.

North Tower will play oldies, beach music, top 40 songs and “funky sounds” from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m. Games and rides by TC’s Amusements open at 6.

Children can enjoy the bungee trampoline, a giant slide, a bounce house, TC’s Choppers and more. Tickets for rides and games are required. Available concessions include pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, Italian Ice, funnel cakes, popcorn, drinks and plenty more.

For the grand finale, East Coast Pyrotechnics will put on a spectacular fireworks show starting at about 9:45 p.m., Ingram said.

To the children, Ingram encouraged a widespread town celebration.

Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com

“Talk your parents into bringing you out to Cheraw HIgh School’s football stadium tonight,” Ingram said almost in a manner a carnie would talk someone into playing a game.

Zach Newton, 6, was one of Cheraw’s newest residents. His parents moved here “a few days ago” from Fayetteville, N.C., after his father retired from Army. Zach placed first in the Best Bike division.

“I’m gonna save it,” Zach said of his $5 cash prize after initially hedging on the plans for his newfound wealth.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Foster wasn’t worried about recognition. In fact, the fewer people who guessed his true identity, the better job he knew he’d done portraying John Adams — not George Washington.